Uh oh - the UN takes step 1 in the US...

[shortysboy09]

So, how would the UN expect to get all the guns from US citizens? A lot of individual sales that went un-documented and can't be traced I wouldn't think.

[kalipsocs]

Warning about UN Plans for Gun Regulations
Wednesday, 28 April 2010 16:43

Firearms Industry Concerned Over United Nations Request for Firearms Trace Data

NEWTOWN, Conn. -- The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) - the trade association for the firearms industry - has learned that the United Nations has filed its first firearms trace request. The move by the United Nations, which has long advocated for civilian disarmament, raised concerns from the NSSF.

More here

I'd like to see them try.... Actually, I wouldn't but I think you get my drift. Not saying it couldn't happen, but I don't think it would be as easy as they sure would like it to be.

[rbftfire]

Exactly.

[casingpoint]

So what is the UN going to do with that trace information, store it on disc? Sell it to Mohammed?

[The Annoyed Man]

I'm not so much worried about them finding them as I am about them even being allowed to make the attempt in the first place.

I note that the article says the UN was refused the request and referred to the BATF for the information. Let's hope that the BATF has sense enough to tell the UN to go suck an egg.

[MechAg94]

In this particular case, the manufacturer declined to provide the information to the United Nations and instead advised UN officials to make its request through proper international law enforcement channels. This would ensure that ATF, the appropriate law enforcement entity responsible for handling such requests, would be aware of the world body's actions.

IMO, the UN making such a request is no different than the Boy Scouts doing it. They are not a law enforcement organization. I thought there are already avenues for law enforcement in other countries to make such requests to the US.

[PSLOwner]

I'm not so much worried about them finding them as I am about them even being allowed to make the attempt in the first place.

I note that the article says the UN was refused the request and referred to the BATF for the information. Let's hope that the BATF has sense enough to tell the UN to go suck an egg.

Agreed.

I am more puzzled why they even bothered with this in the first place. I think they have more pressing issues than this.

[SwimFan85]

Morally and legally they should deny the request. However, the BATF falls under the executive branch.

[74novaman]

Morally and legally they should deny the request. However, the BATF falls under the executive branch.

And has had little regard for laws or morals no matter which Executive they were serving at the time.

[Sidro]

Kind of reminds me of Red Dawn. If I planned to somehow takeover or overthrow a country it sure would be nice to know who has firearms. No, I am not a conspiracy nut. I just don't like the UN sticking their nose in our business. The original idea for the UN was great but through the years it has sure gone downhill. Now it is like the cart leading the horse.

[sjfcontrol]

OK -- that is a strange request. They (the UN) requested information about a specific pistol by serial number directly from the manufacturer. They were requesting:
1) name & address of the "entity" it was sold to.
2) a list of other weapons sold in the same consignment
3) any information regarding re-sale.

H&K would probably be ABLE (but not willing) to supply information regarding the wholesale distribution process, but would have no information regarding the ultimate retail purchaser (unless the purchaser sent in a warrantee card, or something). Neither H&K or BAFTA would necessarily have any info regarding re-sale.

BAFTE, on the other hand, might know the retail purchaser, but the 4473 forms are typically kept by the FFL (not sent to BAFTE unless the FFL closes business), and the NICS records are SUPPOSED to be destroyed after a short period of time.

I'm guessing the UN was attempting to see if a batch (consignment) of handguns from H&K was redirected somehow to this "Cote d'Ivoire" group. Anyway, seems like a fishing expedition to me.

[Ashlar]

This pistol showed up in Côte d'Ivoire, where there's been a long running civil war. The UN security council set up a 'Group of Experts' to monitor the situation.

If some third party is using guns bought here to fuel civil war there, I know I'd like to know about it. If there's a crooked FFL, or a straw purchaser, or even a covert government hand in this (CIA?) they need to stomp that PDQ.

Put the tinfoil hats back in the drawers, folks.

[sjfcontrol]

"A" single gun in a civil war, and they think it's a conspiracy? Who's wearing the tin foil hats now???